EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) – The City Council voted to allocate $154.3 million from the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds in accordance with the American Rescue Plan Act requirements to shift from a relief approach to a recovery focus.

“The allocation of the ARPA funding will allow our community to continue fighting the pandemic, while also providing key resources to support our families; maintaining vital public services such as the crisis intervention support and broadband expansion; and investing in the City’s economic growth through small and local businesses,” said City Manager Tommy Gonzalez.

With today’s approval the Council voted to fund the following projects and services:

Public Health and Safety Response: Testing and Vaccination

      $65.9 million

New/Enhanced Health Programs

      $1.5 million

Public Health Relocation

      $16.1 million

New/Enhanced Fire Programs

      $2.8 million

P-25 Radio Communications Infrastructure

      $7.2 million

Body-Worn Cameras

      $6.6 million

City Watch Expansion (Surveillance Cameras)

      $7 million

Mobile Command

      $1.3 million

Crisis Intervention Team expansion

      $3.9 million

Support for Homelessness

      $6 million

Support of Families

      $3 million

Community Vulnerability

      $3 million

Sports Court Reconstruction & Resurfacing and Playground Replacement

      $6 million

Broadband “Last Mile” (expand city backbone to areas 54% below the poverty line)

      $10 million

Economic Recovery: Business Grants and Local Business Support

      $14 million

Since April 2020, the City has received almost $400 million in federal funds, from 11 different agencies, with principal funding:

  • In April 2020, the City received $119 million in Coronavirus Relief Funds (CARES) to respond directly to the public health emergency
  • May 2021/2022, the City will receive $154.3 million in State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (ARPA) to fight the pandemic, support families, maintain vital public services and make investments that support long-term growth.

For local and breaking news, sports, weather alerts, video and more, download the FREE KTSM 9 News App from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.